Spider veins are a smaller version of a varicose vein. These generally respond to sclerotherapy within three to six weeks while a larger vein may take three to four months. Once a vein responds to the treatment it will not reappear. However, it is not uncommon for new veins to appear in the same area over time. In order to decrease the risk for new varicose veins or spider veins to develop in the same area, it is important to use preventative measures.
Varicose veins and spider veins form because of the increased pressure on the venous system from number of factors. Women who are pregnant, or men and women who are obese, smoke or spend much of their day either standing in place or seated, will be at greater risk for developing varicose veins and spider veins.